Thousands of cattle in fattening areas in southwestern Kansas have died from heat stress due to high temperatures, high humidity and low winds in recent days, industry officials said, according to the Associated Press.

The final death toll remains unclear, but as of yesterday, at least 2,000 heat-related deaths have been reported to the state agency, which is helping to destroy the bodies.

Agency spokesman Matt Lara said he expects the number to rise as more farms report heat losses this week.

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The deaths represent a serious loss, as the animals, which typically weigh about 1,500 kg, cost about $ 2,000 per head.

Many cattle had not yet taken off their winter fur when the heat wave struck, which was another reason for what happened.

"This is an event that happens once every 10 or 20 years.

This is not a normal event, "said Brandon Depenbush, who runs a farm in Great Bend, Kansas." It's extremely unusual, but it's happening. "